Hindu customs and etiquette

The etiquette that we follow in Hinduism is to develop and maintain humbleness before God and towards others. There are some main points to keep in mind regarding proper etiquette:

- We take our shoes off before entering a temple or a person's residence.

- We don't point the soles of the feet at another person or at any image of God (by extending the legs out flat).

- We touch the feet of our elders, teachers, and especially our Guru as a sign of respect.

- We don't touch another person with our feet.

- We do not touch any book (religious or otherwise) with the feet; we do not set any book directly on the floor.

- Anytime we give or receive anything it is either with the right hand or with both hands together, but never with the left hand.

- We greet another person with folded hands and bowed head (rather than by shaking hands), and by saying a name of God, like 'Radhey Radhey' or 'Jay Shree Krishn' or 'Ram Ram' (rather than saying 'Hi' or 'Hello').

Observing such formalities helps us develop feelings of humbleness and respect for God and for other people.

Swami Nikhilanand, JKP Radha Madhav Dham. © 2011. All rights reserved.